Machine for assembling book components



Oct. 19, 1954 c. scHRAMM 2,692,136

MACHINE FOR ASSEMBLING BOOK COMPONENTS Filed Nov. l5, 1950 10 Sheets-Sheet l BY 1f. 7%

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AyORNEY Oct. 19, 1954 c. scHRAMM 2,692,136

MACHINE FOR ASSEMBLING BOOK COMPONENTS Filed Nov. l5, .1950

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Oct. 19, 1954 C. SCHRAMM MACHINE FOR ASSEMBLING BOOK COMPONENTS Filed Nov. l5, 1950 10 Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTOR CAR/ OHRA MM Oct. 19, 1954 c. scHRAMM 2,692,136

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Oct. 19, 1954 c. scHRAMM MACHINE FOR ASSEMBLING BOOK COMPONENTS 10 Sheets-Sheet lO Filed NOV. l5, 1950 Q v WENTOR CARL scf/HAMM BY i Patented Oct. 19, 1954 MACHINE FOR ASSEMBLING BOOK COMPONENTS Carl Schramm, North Coventry, Conn., assignor to The Smyth Manufacturing Company, Hartford, Conn., a corporation of Connecticut Application November 15, 1950, Serial No. 195,888

31 Claims. 1

The invention relates to a machine for assembling and preferably pasting components of books, more particularly signatures and end sheets. The general object of the invention isto provide an improved semi-automatic machine adapted to withdraw successive signatures and end sheets or other book components from stacks held in suitable stack mechanisms, to assemble and preferably paste the successive components, and finally to deliver the assembled and preferably pasted components at a suitable location.

Further and more specic objects of the invention are to provide various advantageous features of construction and arrangement whereby the foregoing more general object is attained.

This application is a continuation-in-part of my copending application for Machine for Assembling Book Components, Serial No. 764,236, filed July 28, '1947, and now abandoned. The stack mechanisms for holding and supplying the book components are not herein claimed specilically, the said stack mechanisms being set forth and claimed in my copending application for Stack Mechanism for Book Components, Serial No. 196,170, led November 17, 1950, which last said application is a division of the said application Serial No. 764,236.

In the drawings I have shown in detail a preferred embodiment of the invention, but it will be understood that various changes may be made from the construction shown, and that the drawings are not to be construed as defining or limiting the scope of the invention, the claims forming a part of this specification being relied upon for that purpose.

Of the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a front view of a machine embodying the invention, this view omitting certain parts, more particularly longitudinal shafts and associated parts in the interior.

Fig. 2 is a right end view with certain details of the stack mechanism omitted.

Fig. 3 is a left end View with certain details of the stack mechanism omitted.

Fig. 4 is an enlarged front View of the right stack mechanism taken in the direction of the arrows 4, l in Fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along the line 5 5 of Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary sectional View taken along the line 6-6 of Fig. 4 but showing the parts in different relative positions.

Fig. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary plan View of the stack mechanism shown in Fig. 4, this View 2 being taken in the direction of the arrows 1, 1 in Fig. 2.

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary horizontal sectional View taken along the line 8--8 of Fig. 5.

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary transverse vertical sectional view taken along the line 9-9 of Fig. 4.

Fig. 10 is an enlarged fragmentary front View of the operating and controlling mechanism for the stack mechanism shown in Figs. 4 and 7. n

Fig. 11 is a fragmentary transverse vertical sectional View taken along the line l I--l I of Fig. 1, but with various parts omitted.

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary plan View taken in the direction of the arrows l2, I2 in Fig. 2, the bottom of the View being toward the front of the machine and the view showing principally the means for supporting, moving and pasting the book components and omitting many other parts.

Fig. 13 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view taken along the line I3-I3 of Fig. 12.

Fig. 14 is a fragmentary sectional view in some respects similar to Fig. 13 but With the vertical section taken through one of the transfer mechanisms.

Fig. 15 is a fragmentary view similar to Fig. 14, but showing the parts in different relative positions.

Fig. 15A is a fragmentary View taken in the direction of the arrows l 5A--I 5A in Fig. '15.

Fig. 16 is a fragmentary view similar to the upper part of Fig. 14 but showing the parts in different relative positions.

Fig. 17 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view, with various parts omitted, taken along the lines Il-Il of Figs. 12 and 13.

Fig. 18 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view, with various parts omitted, taken along the line l8-I8 of Fig. 12.

Fig. '19 is a fragmentary sectional view, partly diagrammatic, taken along the line |9-I9 of Fig. 18.

Fig. 20 is an enlarged fragmentary rear view of the central portion of the machine taken in the direction of the arrows 20, 20 in Fig. 21.

Fig. 21 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view taken along the line 2 I--2I of Fig. l2 and along the line 2I-2I of Fig. 20.

Fig. 22 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along the line 22-22 of Fig. 21.

Figs. 23 and 24 are rear and left side views respectively of one paste box.

Figs. 25 and 26 are rear and left side views respectively of the other paste box.

General organization Referringparticularly to Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 12, the machine comprises a base il) on which is mounted a main framework which may be variously constructed, but which as shown comprises three upright transverse plates I2, lil and i6 spaced apart longitudinally and connected by longitudinal bars i3, 29, 22 and 23. The machine includes a plurality of stack mechanisms, and while the number of stack mechanisms may be varied two are ordinarily sufficient, vthese being shown at 2li and 2%. These stack mechanisms may be identical in construction and are so shown. Each stack mechanism is adapted .to support a stack of signatures orend sheets or other book components. For instance, the right stack mechanism 24 may support a stack of book signatures, and the left stack mechanism 2 may support a stack of folded end sheets to be assembled with the signatures. The terms book component or component will be used throughout the specification and claims as generic terms to include a signature or an end sheet or Vany other similar book component. rI'he terms signatures and end sheets lwill also be used for convenience of description, but it will be understood that the invention is not in any way limited to the handling of signatures and end sheets. It may, for example, be used for the pasting of charts, plates or other book inserts in place on signatures.

Each stack mechanism is preferably provided with means serving to maintain the top of the stack substantially'at a predetermined level so that single components can conveniently be withdrawn successively therefrom at the rear. Preferably, each stack mechanism 24 and 2S is inclined rearward at a substantial angle partly' to Aassure the uniform positioning of the stack therein and-partly to facilitate the withdrawal of successive components from the top .of the stack. Inasmuch as each stack mechanism permits .single :components to be withdrawn successively from the top of the stack, the machine is adapted *for .handling a wide variety of book components, as for instance single unfolded sheets. If each stack mechanism were ofthe type wherein the lcomponents are withdrawn from the bottom of the stack, the machine would not be adapted for handling single sheets.

`Associated with the respective stack mechanisms are two similar mechanisms for withdrawing successive components from the tops of the stacks and for .transferring the said lcomponents rearward and preferably downward. Each transfer mechanism preferably comprises separate units which are indicated generally at 28, 2B and 30, 30in Fig. 12, and one of the said mechanisms 28 is also shown in Fig. 2. As shown, there are two transfer units in transverse register with each stack of components. Each transfer unit includes a device generally indicated at 32 for engaging and gripping a component at the top of y'the corresponding stack, the gripping device of each unit being reciprocated during each cycle in a path `extending rearward and preferably downward from the top of the stack. The components withdrawn from the stacks by the said transfer units are deposited respectively on shelves which are at different levels. The number of shelves corresponds to the number of stack mechanisms, and when there are two stack mechanismsthere are two shelves 34 and 35, the upper shelf 3% being much .shorter than the lower shelf 34, as more clearly shown in Figs. 12, 1'7 and 18. The lower shelf has rst and second end portions at the right and at the left as viewed in Fig. 18 which respectively project longitudinally in opposite directions beyond the upper shelf. The two components on the said shelves are initially out oftransverse `register with eachother, being spaced apart longitudinally, one of them being on the first projecting portion of the lower shelf pand the other of them being on the upper shelf.

The component on the first projecting portion of the lower shelf is preferably pasted at least along a Zone adjacent one edge thereof by means of a suitable lpasting device. By means of a mechanism generally indicated at 38, one of the components is moved longitudinally along the longer lower shelf .toward the left until it is brought into face-to-face register with the other component on the shorter upper shelf and thereafter both components are moved in unison toward the left. The component on the upper shelf moves off from the said shelf into engagement with the component of the lower shelf, the v two compo nents then being on the second project-ing portion ofthe lower shelf. When one of the components has been pasted, adherence is effected along the zone of pasting. The assembled components may be pressed to cause more effective adherence at the said zone of pasting and thereafter the assembled and pasted components are delivered onto a conveyor belt it at the left which carries them forward toward the front of the machine.

Mounted in suitable bearings in the Y main frame is alongitudinal driveshaft G2 carrying a belt pulley 4d. A belt G5 passes over the pulley 44. and also over a pulley i5 on a motor .55. The puley 44 is rotatably mounted on the shaft l2 and may be `connected therewith by aclutch 52 operable by means of a hand lever Sift or a foot treadle 56. Mounted on the drive shaft l2 is a pinion 53 meshing with an idler gear fill which in turn .meshes with a gear t2 on a longitudinal main shaft 64 mounted in suitable bearings in the main frame. The timing is such that the shaft 64 makes one complete revolution for each cycle of the machine. A hand wheel E5 may be provided on the shaft 152 for-manually operating the machine during set-up and adjustment.

Stack mechanisms .As stated at the outset, book components are successively removed.from.the vtops of the stacks A in both lstack mechanisms 2li and 2t, thus tending to lower the levels of the tops of the stacks, which levels are restored from time to time by the mechanisms to .be described.

The two stack mechanisms .2li and 25 may be identical in construction asalready stated, and adetailed description of one of them will be sumcient. The descrpition may be regarded as applying particularly to the stack mechanism 24 at the right- As already stated, the stack mechanisms are'preferably positioned at a substantial angle, but such positioning is not in all instances essential. Therefore, such terms as vertical and horizontal will for the sake of convenience be used in describing the inclined parts.

For a more detailed description reference will be had particularly to Figs. 4 to 9. 'Each stack mechanism comprises two frame elements $8 and EE secured to Ithe longit idinal bars I8 a-nd 2i! of the main frame. Carried by the frame element 6% and respectively located near the top and bottom thereof are transverse shafts lll .and 12.1.Carried by the upper shaft 'I0 and spaced therealong are four similar sprocket wheels |4, '|6, 18 and 80. All of the said sprocket wheels may be rotatable relatively to the shaft. Carried by the lower shaft 12 and similarly spaced therealong are four sprocket wheels 82, 84, 86 and 88, as shown in Fig. 5. Endless chains 00, 92, 94 and 06 extend over the respective pairs of sprocket wheels 'I4- 82, 'I6-84, '|8-86 and 80-88.

As shown in Fig. 9, the shaft 'i2 can be intermittently rotated in the clockwise direction by means of a bevel gear 98 at the rear end thereof which meshes with a bevel gear on a longitudinal shaft |02 supported in a bracket |04 secured to the frame 66. The shaft |02 carries a worm wheel |06, shown in Figs. 5 and 8, which meshes with a worm |08 mounted at the rear end of a transverse horizontal shaft |I0 extending forward to the front of the machine. The shaft I I0 is intermittently rotated by mechanism to be presently described and it will be seen that intermittent rotation of the shaft ||0 causes intermittent rotation of the shaft l2. Two of the sprocket wheels 82, 84, 86 and 88, as for instance the sprocket wheels 82 and 86, are rigidly connected with the shaft 'i2 and therefore intermittent movement of the shaft '|2 causes intermittent movement of the corresponding chains 00 and 94.

Mounted in `the frame element 66 immediately above the shaft 'l2 is a rotatable shaft ||2. As shown in Fig. 9, the shaft ||2 can be intermittently rotated in the counterclockwise direction by means of a bevel gear I4 at the rear end thereof `which meshes with a bevel gear ||6 on a longitudinal shaft I|l supported in the aforesaid bracket I04. The shaft |I8 carries a worm wheel |20 shown in Figs. 5 and 8, which meshes with a worm |22 mounted at the rear end of a transverse horizontal shaft |24 extending forward to the front of the machine. The shaft |24 is intermittently rotated by mechanism to be vpresently described, and it will be seen that intermittent rotation of the shaft |24 causes intermittent rotation of the shaft |I2. The sprockets 54 and 88 are not rigidly connected with the shaft 'l2 but are rotatable thereon. Connected respectively with the sprockets 04 and 88 are gears |26 and |28 which mesh respectively with gears |30 and |32 secured to the shaft When the shaft ||2 is intermittently rotated as already stated, the sprockets 84 land 88 and the corresponding -chains 92 and 96 are intermittently operated in the saine directions as the chains 60 and 9.4. However, the two chains 02 and S6 do not necessarily always move in unison Awith the chains 00 and 94, the respective pairs of chains being actuated by the said separate shafts |24 and ||0 either of which may be moved independently as will presently appear.

The frame element 68 carries shafts |34, |36 and |38 which are similar respectively to the shafts 10, '|2 land ||2. Sprocket wheels similar to those on the shafts 'I0 and I2 are carried by the shafts |34 and I 36 and are similarly related thereto. The lower inner sprocket wheel is indicated at |40 in Fig. 8. One of the gears for driving the sprocket Wheel I 40 is shown at |42 in the same figure. These several sprocket wheels are spaced `and driven similarly to those on the shafts'10 and l2. Extending over the sprocket wheels are chains |44, |46, |48 and |50 which are similar to the -chains 80, 92, v94 and 96. lThe chains |44 and |48 are rotated in ac# cordance with the rotation of the shaft |36, and

the chains |46 and |50 are rotated in accordance with the rotation of the shaft |38. The shaft |38 is intermittently rotated in unison with the shaft ||2 but in the opposite direction. To this end the before-mentioned shaft II8 is extended toward the left, as shown in Fig. 8, being supported near its left end by a bracket |5| on the frame element 68. Secured to the shaft I I8 at the left end thereof is a bevel gear |52 which meshes with a bevel gear |53 at the rear end of the shaft |38. The shaft |36 is similarly driven in unison withY the shaft '|2 but in the opposite direction. To this end the shaft |02 is extended toward the left and is also supported near its left end in the said bracket |5|. The left portion of the said shaft |02 is immediately below the shaft IIB, as viewed in Fig. 8, and therefore is not seen. The shaft |02 is connected at its left end with the rear end 0f the shaft |36 lby means of bevel gears similar to the bevel gears |52 and |53. The said gears connecting the shafts |02 and |36 are immediately below the gears |52 and |153, as viewed in Fig. 8, and therefore, are not seen.

Each of the interconnected chains 90, |44, 94 and |48 carries a plurality of uniformly spaced lugs |54, |54, and as shown there are two such lugs on each chain. These lugs are so arranged that four lugs of one set are always at the same level and lthat the four lugs of the other set lare always at the same level. Preferably, each two lugs |54, |54 at ea-ch side are connected by a transverse carrier bar |56. The carriers |56, |56 of each pair are Iat the same level, and the two carriers constitute a carrying means for one of the before-mentioned stack plates.

Each of the interconnected chains 92, |46, 96 and |50 carries a plurality of uniformly spaced lugs |58, |58 which are similar to the lugs |54, |54. The number of lugs |58, |58 is the same as the number of lugs |54, |54 on the other chains. The lugs |58, |58 are so arranged that the four lugs of one set are always at the same level and that the four lugs of the other set are always at the same level. Each two lugs |58, |58 at each side are connected by a transverse carrier bar |60. The carriers |60, |60 o-f each pair are at the same level, and the two carriers constitute a carrying means for one of the before-mentioned stack plates.

The carriers |56, |56 constitute one group and the carriers |60, |60 constitute another group. The carriers in the two groups are alternately disposed. The levels of the carriers in the two groups may be changed in relation to each other, as will be described.

Two stack supporting plates |62 and |63 are provided, one being supported or adapted to be supported by one of the pairs of carriers |56, |56 on one set of interconnected chains, and the other Ibeing supported or adapted to be supported on one of the pairs of carriers |60, |60 on the other set of interconnected chains. As already stated, all of the chains are normally moved in unison and when they are so moved and when both stack plates are engaged by a pair of carriers, the two stack plates are moved upward in unison. Each plate when uppermost can be manually withdrawn transversely from its carriers. Preferably, each stack plate |62 and |63 has transversely extending reinforcing bars |64, |64 at the bottom. Each plate preferably has a downward extending flange |66 at the front to facilitate manual engagement for transverse withdrawal.

ncaa-ase Ffgfshowsa'stackA of book components sup- .:ported on the upper stack plate, vwhich:is-shown aas being the plate |82, this being supported on ,a `pairof carriers |56, |58 on the interconnected ychains 80, 94, |44 and |48. There is also shown la stack B of similar book components supported on the lower stack plate, which isshown Aas being the ^plate |63 adapted `to 4be supported .on a pair fof :carriers |58, |68 on the .other interconnected ;chains'92, 98, |48 and |58. 'The sta-cks A and B fengage at the rear with rearward incline-d guide :rails |68 and |18 which are supported on the longitudinal bars '|.8 vand 28. Preferably, the iguide rail |88 has a forward extending flange .with which the corresponding Vends of the stacks engage. The downward inclination of the stack plates l|82 and |88 and the rearward inclination of the guide rails |88 and A|10 serve to prevent 'deformation of the stacks A and B, inasmuch as Agravity-tends to `move the stack components rearward. Therails |88 and |10 are preferably ad- `justable longitudinally along thebars |8 and 28 so as to be adapted to engage and guide stacks of diierent lengths.

By vmeans of mechanism to be presently described, the movements of the chains and supporting bars of each stack mechanism are so regulated that the top of the stack A is always maintained substantially at a predetermined Alevel which is slightly below the tops of the guide :rails |88 and |18. Preferably, retaining means are provided for engaging the upper portion of `Ithestack at the top and at the front to prevent :any `possible upward or forward movements of the book components constituting the said upper portion, 4and 'for other purposes to be set rforth. Carried'by the frame elements 88 and '68 at the tops thereof are transverse rails |12, |12 provided with T-slots therein. Adjustable along the said rails are blocks |14, 14, these blocks being held in adjusted positions by means of headed bolts |18, |18 entering the T-slots. Arms |18, |18 are connected with the blocks |14, '|14 for kpivotal movement about axes at |19, |19. The arms |18, |18 extend downward and inward 'and respectively carry at their lower ends nor- 'mally horizontal longitudinally slotted bars |88, |88. Secured to the slotted bars |88, |88 are lblocks |82, |82 which are adjustable therealong,

being held in adjusted position by bolts |84, |84.

Each block |82 carries a rearward projecting member |88 which is preferably cylindrical and vwhich is positioned to engage the top of the fstack A. VExtendingthrough each member |88 is .a bar |88 which is positioned to engage the upper portion of the front of the stack A. Each bar '|88 is longitudinally slotted, as shown in Fig. 6, and a screw r|88 is provided which extends-through the slot. The bar |88 is vertically movable to the extent permitted by the length .of the slot therein. Ordinarily, each bar |88 is tin the relative position shown in Fig. 6, but it is -movable upward from the said position andrelatively to the corresponding member |86 if and when it is engaged by one of the stack plates The two members |88, |86 rest on the top of the stack A and are vertically movable in acordance withminor variations in the level of the top of the stack. They apply pressure to the top of the stack near the front thereof and offer frictional resistance to the withdrawal of the successive book components therefrom. The .bars |88, |88 prevent any forward movement of the upper portion of the stack A.

.8 .'Itxwillrbeseenthat by;means:ofiithe rbl'ocks IM, |14, thelfmembers |86, yI88and tnebars Hi8-,8, |88

`can be adjusted forward `orrearward:insa-ccordance with the width Yof ithestack The .said

members |88, |88and the saidibars-vlf, 188 can be .adjusted longitudinally along the 'bars 1.8.0, 18,8 in accordance Withthe length of the ,.stack.

Control for stack mechanisms rIWo Asimilar mechanisms aregprovidedforncontrolling the respective stack mechanisms, that at the right for -the stack :mechanism .124 `being shown in detail vin Figs. 10 andll. The'controlling mechanism is 'carried Vby a plate |92 which is secured to the leftsidez'of ,the adjacent transverse frame plate, as for instance 'the frame vplate |2, by means vof screws :|93. The before- .mentioned shafts lll-and f| zlextendthrough the said plate |92 and havebearings therein. Secured to the front ends of the shafts V|`f||lfand |24 are hand wheels 4|84 and |96,these handzwheels being indicated in Fig. Vlllmerely bydot-and-.dash lines.

Secured to the shaft I8 adjacent -Ythe plate ;|;9-2 is a ratchet wheel |91. =Mounted on ,theshaft H8 is a'rock lever |98 carrying aspring-pressed pawl |99 which engages the ratchet ywheel |91. By `rneansof a spring 288 fthe .rock lever |98 :is biased for movement in the counterclookwise .direction, such movement being limited by an adjustable stop in theformof 4a screw 20|. -Se cured to the -shaft |24 adjacent fthe plate -|-92 ris a ratchet `wheel 282. Mountedpn the 'shaft -||,8 is a rock lever 288 carryingfaspring-pressed pawl 284 which'engages the ratchet wheel 282. The

two rock levers |98 and 283 lare*providedrespectively with downward extending arms whichrare connected by means of a link 285. It will be seen that the rock levers |88 and :2831are movable in unison and that when they are moved in the clockwise direction, the two `pawls |99 and 204 serve to turn the'shafts lH0 and |24 inunisoniin the clockwisedirection.

The rock lever |98 has an :arm with alug .-28,6 thereon which is normallyengaged by the upper arm of a bell crank 2.08. The bell crank 208 is spring-pressed in the `clockwise 'direction -so that the said upper arm thereof is .normally ,'m the path of the lug 288. A transverse horizontal rockshaft 2|8is providedwhich at `its front-end carries an upward extending arm :2 2. Alinklul is pivotally -connectedfat Vthe upper end of ,the arm 2|-2 vand this link is-provided Vwith adongitudinal slot .into which projects a studn2|| Yon anarmof the rock lever |98. The'shaft,2|0 and the link 2|4 areoscillated but the ,amplitudericf oscillation is such that the Vrock lever 498 is fnot normally moved, the slotted portion of the ,link 2|4 merely moving with respect to the-studfzl' without imparting any movement Ato the latter. As shown in Fig. 11, the rockshaft 2.|0 is A:connected by abevel gear segment 2|8 and a bevel gear 228 with a longitudinal shaft 2:22, which zis omitted in Fig. 1 in order thatvother -,parts :may more clearly appear. The shaft 222 carries an Lrm 224 Yhaving a roller v226 thereon whicheenegages .a cam groove 228 in a :cam 288 on the main shaft 84. It will be seen that as fthe cam 2;-38 is rotated, the arm 224 is oscillated, thus-.imparting oscillation to theshaft 2|8 andthefarm -2i|;2. The shaft 222 -is'extended-toward the left, -andxit is similarly connected-with the shaft 2| 0 of 'the 'mechanism at -the left for 'controlling nthe left stack mechanism 26.

As shownmore clearly inFig. '1, a`bracket23'2iis mounted on the bar adjacent the top of the corresponding stack. This bracket carries a short longitudinal rockshaft 234 to which is secured a forward extending lever 236. The lever 236 carries a stud 238 which projects between two collars 246 and 242 on a rod 244 extending parallelly with the stack mechanism. The rod 244 is reciprocable, being guided by bearings 246 and 248 on the bars 26 and I8. The rockshaft 234 has secured to it a nger which is so shaped and positioned that its forward end is adapted to engage the top of the stack A, as shown in Figs. 4 and 11. The shaft 234 and the parts carried thereby are biased, by a spring or otherwise, so that the shaft tends to move in the counterclockwise direction, the finger 256 and the rod 244 tending to move downward. The aforesaid movement of the parts is limited by the engagement of the end of the finger 256 with the top of the stack A.

Suitably mounted in the machine adjacent the cam 230 is a short longitudinal rockshaft 252, as shown in Figs. 2 and 11. This shaft carries an arm 254 having a roller 256 which engages a cam groove 258 in the said cam 236. Also carried by the rockshaft 252 is a lever 266 which extends forward and upward. The lever 266 is provided at its front end with a stud 262 which is positioned to engage the lower side of a collar 264 secured to the reciprocable rod 264. It will be seen that when the cam 236 is rotated, the rockshaft 252 is oscillated, the lever 266 oscillating therewith. By reason of the stud 262 and the collar 264, the lever 266 serves to oscillate the rod 244, moving it upward from the position shown in Fig. 11 and thus swinging the linger 256 upward approximately to the position shown by dotted lines. As the rod 244 again moves downward, the inger 250 moves downward until it engages the top of the stack and further movement is thus prevented. If the top of the stack is at the normal position slightly below the tops of the guides |68 and |16, the parts are returned to the positions shown in Fig. l1. However, if the top of the stack is below its normal position, the parts move beyond the positions shown in Fig. 11. The shape of the cam groove 258 is such that the linger 256 is only momentarily engaged with the stack, the finger being held in its upper position during the major portion of the cycle.

A rock lever 266 is provided, this being mounted for oscillation about a longitudinal stud 268, as shown in Fig. ll. The lever is biased for movement in the counterclockwise direction. The rear end of the lever 266 carries an adjustable screw 212 which is adapted to be engaged by the lower end of the rod 244. The front end of the lever 266 is provided with an adjustable screw 214, the upper end of which abuts against the horizontal arm of the bell crank 268, as shown in Fig. 10. A spring 215 holds the horizontal arm of the bell crank 208 in engagement with the screw 214.

The relationship of the parts, as shown in Fig. 11, is such that the collar 264 does not engage the stud 262 when the lever 260 is in its lower position and when the top of the stack A is at its said normal level. The rod 244 in moving downward does not normally engage the screw 212 to move the lever 266. However, when the top of the stack is lowered below its normal level, the rod 244 moves downward to an extent greater thanv normal, and in so moving, it engages the screw 212 to move the rock lever 266 in the clockwise direction. The front end of the lever 266 then moves upward and the screw 214 thereon moves the lower arm of the bell crank 203 in the counterclockwise direction sufliciently to disengage the upper end of the said bell crank from the lug 266. When this occurs the spring 206 moves the rock levers |66 and 263 in the counterclockwise direction, such movement being limited by the stop screw 20| as already stated. Upon the next following movement cf the link 214 toward the right, as viewed in Fig. 10, the rock levers |96 and 203 are moved in the clockwise direction and restored to the positions shown in Fig. l0. In so moving, the pawl |99 engages the ratchet wheel |91 to turn the shaft HQ and the pawl 204 engages the ratchet wheel 262 to turn the shaft |24. By means of the mechanisms which have already been described, the shafts ||0 and |24 operate all of the chains so as to cause upward movement of the two pairs of carrier bars |56, |56 and |66, 66 which are or may be in engagement with the stack plates |62 and |63. As shown in Fig. 4, the upper plate |62 is supported by the carrier bars |56, |56 and therefore the said plate |62 moves the upper stack A upward and tends to restore the top thereof to its normal level.

When the lever 266 moves in the counterclockwise direction by reason of its spring-bias, the bell crank 266 is released, and at the end of the clockwise movement of the rock lever |98 the bell crank returns to the position shown in Fig. 10 so as to again obstruct the lug 206. If a single movement of the ratchet wheels is sucient to restore the stack A to its normal level, the next downward movement of the rod 244 does not actuate the lever 266 and the upper arm of the bell crank 268 remains in obstructing relationship with the lug 266. However, if the top of the stack A is still below its normal level, the operation above-described is repeated until the said normal level is restored.

It will be understood that the control mechanism as described for the stack mechanism 24 is duplicated for the stack mechanism 26. The several parts of the duplicate control mechanism are operated by the said rockshafts 222 and 252.

Reference has already been made to the stack B which is supported on the lower stack plate and which consists of book components which are similar to those in the stack A. The lower stack plate is shown as being the platev |63, and this lower plate may be initially supported on stationary inclined brackets 216, 216, as shown in Figs. 1 and 4. While the components are being withdrawn from the top of the stack A, and while the plate |62 is being moved intermittently upward by the carriers |56, |56, the operator places a stack B on the lower plateA |63. For the convenience of the operator in handling the stack B, the machine is preferably provided at the front with a shelf 216 which is supported on the brackets 216, 216 and can be used for jogging the componente of the stack B to bring them into proper register with each other. which are to constitute thevstack B have been thus jogged and registered, they are placed on the plate |63, as shown in Fig. 4.

Continued movement of the chains causes the next following pair of carriers |60, |60 on the other set of interconnected chains to pick up the plate |63 from the brackets 216, 216, this plate being then moved intermittently .upward After the components f moved rapidly upward so as to bringy the top of! the stack B into engagement with theY bottom of? ward movement ofthe lcarriers engaged with the lower plate.V As'shown, the carriers |66, |66 engaging the-plate I63lare so moved by the hand' wheel |96.r Thepawl and the ratchet wheel hold the carriers and the plate in the positions to which they are-moved; retrograde movement being prevented by the worm gearing |66, |66 and |26; |22. Assoonas the bottom stack B has been brought into engagement withA the bottom of the top stack plate |62, as shown in Fig. 6, the said top plate |62 is manually withdrawn from its carriers |56, |56 in the forward direction, thus uniting the two stacks1A- and B. The rods |68, |66' prevent any forward movement ofthe lower portion of the stack A as the plate |62 is withdrawn. Furthermore, the members |86, |86 which are inv engagement with the top of the stack, tend to prevent any upward movement of the supporting plate as it is withdrawn. As already stated, the carrier bars for the two stack plates always move in unison, except during the aforesaid manual movement ofthe lower plate. Therefore, the two plates and the two stacks move upward in unison afterthe said rapid upward movement of the lowerplate and the lower stack, and they are maintained in fixed' relationship even if there-should be some-slight delay on the part of the operator in withdrawing the upper plate.

The withdrawal' of the upper plate |62 serves to slightly lower the top of the stack, but it is not lowered su'iciently to interfere with the continued-removal of book components from the topthereof. Furthermore, the level of the top of` the stack is promptly restored by means of the mechanism for that purpose which has already been described.

The plate |62. which has been withdrawn as above-stated,.is thereuponplaced on the brackets 216,216 asshownin Fig. 4', andanew stack B-is-.put inplace of the lower plate which is now the platef |62 andnot the plate |63. The platey |62.is-lifted from the brackets 216, 276 by the next following:V pair of carriers |56, |56. When the new stack A, now. on the-plate |63, has been sufciently reduced in height, the procedure previously described isrepeated, the plate |62v againv becoming theupper plate and the plate |63 again becoming the lower plate;

It will be understood that the stack plate |62 is always supportedv and moved by the pairs of carriersV |56` |56v of one set and that the other plate |63 is always supported and moved by the pairs of carriers. |66, |66.. of. the other set. The saidV sets of carriers are moved respectively j bythe different sets of interconnected chains,

one? set of. chains; being operable by the hand wheel' |94 andhthe1othensetiof chains being operableV by the hand wheel |36.VV "1t is therefore V12 Liftingl 'mecumismsv Associated with eachof the stack mechanisms. 24 and 26 is a mechanism for lifting the rear.. portions of successive single sheets or book. com-` ponents from the topof the stack A to aposi.-Y

tion above thetops of the guides |68 and |16.. where they can be readily engaged and movedli rearward by the transfer mechanism to be presently described. n the description of. the. lifting mechanism, reference will be had. particu.- larly to Figs. 4, 7 andY 13. The lifting mechanisms for the two stack mechanismsl are identical in construction and the descriptioncan. be., regarded'as applying. primarily tothe mechanism. atv the right.

Two longitudinally spacedslides 266, 266, are., provided, these slides being movable. in bracketsV 282, 262 secured to the rear of thev longitudinal. bar 26. The slides 266, 266 aremovable in any inclined direction corresponding. to the inclination of the stack mechanism.. Secured to the., slides 266, 286. at the top thereof is a longitudinal horizontal bar 26.4 having a. longitudinal T- slot in the top thereof.Y

Alongitudinal shaft 286 isprovided, as shown. in Fig. 13, and this shaft carries two arms 2831 which are provided at their forward ends with rollers, the said rollers beingl entered in transverse notches in the respective slides 286,y 286. v Ak longitudinal shaft 266 is providedV on which is'. pivoted a lever 292,. the said lever being connected. by means of a link 264 withone of the arms 288 onthe shaft 2.6.6 The lever 2,62 carries a roller 266 which is entered in a cam path 266i inthe left side of the gear 62. TheV shape of the cam path issuch that thelever 292 is oscillat'ed, the lever causing the oscillation of the arms 268,l and the arms in turn causing the reciprocation. of the slides 286', 266 and of the longitudinal bar, 264.

Mounted on the bar 28'4` are,A blocks 366 3661 The numberY of blocks may bey variedl but three are` shown. These blocks 3166, 366 are adjust,- able along. the bar 264, being held in adjusted?` positions by means ofv bolts entering the T-slot' in thetop of the bar. Each bloclf- 366 is provided with an arm 362 which extends downwardl andi forward, anda pipe 364 is mounted atthe lower. end of each arm. Eachpipe 361|Y carries avac.- uum cup 366 inpcsiticn for engagement with the top component ofthe correspondingY stack A.

Carriedby suitable. brackets on the bar. 2661` isV a longitudinal pipe 3.66 provided withl upward projecting nipples 3|0, 3|6. Flexible hose con.- nections 3| 2, 3|2 are provided between thel respectivepipesv 36.4 3'64 and'. corresponding nip,- ples 36H); As shown there are four nipples. 316A and1 it will be understood that when only three, `vacuum cups are provided oneof the nipples will, be closed, as forinstanceby meansof a suitable cap.

Connected: with one endv of' the pipe 3.68, as.l for instance the right end,Y is a flexible hose- 3My which extends to a valve-A mechanism 3| 6.1 as. shown in Figs; 1.and'20. Thevalve mechanism` 3 6 is mounted upon and isoperated'by themainshaftand' a hose 3|8; connects the valvelmechanism with a4 suitablevacuum pump which. isY not shown.. The; details ofthe valve mechanismI do' notjconstitute. a part of the ;present invention7 and theyr are. not shown:V It isc sufficient tov statethat thei-valvemechanism servesduring a. requisite portion of each cycle to connect the hoses:-

= 3;|4"', 3-;|4 for the two liftingfmechanismswith the 13 hose 3I8 so that during such portion of the cycle vacuum is applied at the vacuum cups 306, 306.

The shape and timing of the cam path 238 is such that the vacuum cups 306, 306 are reciprocated between the positions shown by full lines and by dotted lines in Fig. 13. When the vacuum cups are in the dotted line positions vacuum is applied thereto by the valve mechanism 3I6 and the vacuum cups thus engage the top component C in the stack A. The vacuum in the cups is maintained until the component C is lifted to the position shown by full lines in Fig. 13, whereupon the component is engaged by the transfer mechanism to be presently described. As soon as the component is engaged by the transfer mechanism, the vacuum in the cups 306, 306 is released and after the component has been moved reardward by the transfer mecha.- nism the vacuum cups are moved to the dotted line positions to engage the next following top component in the stack A.

Preferably, one or more nozzles 3I9 are provided for delivering a jet or jets of air against the components at the top of the stack A. Thus the top components are riffled to insure that only one of them will be picked up and lifted by the vacuum cups 306, 306.

As already stated, the blocks 303, 300 are adjustable along the bar 284. This makes it possible to adjust the positions of the vacuum cups 306, 306 in accordance with the width of the components being handled.

When one of the book components is a signature comprising a plurality of folded sheets, it is particularly important to first lift each successive component and then transfer it rearward by means of a transfer mechanism which grips the entire signature. It has heretofore been proposed to transfer single sheets from a stack by means of a transversely movable vacuum cup. While a transversely movable vacuum cup may be satisfactory for single sheets, it is not suitable for a signature comprising a plurality of sheets. A vacuum cup will lift such a signature, but if the vacuum cup were to be moved transversely it would frequently, if not in fact always, transfer only the outer sheet of the signature, this outer sheet being separated from the other portions of the signature. With the present construction the vacuum cup serves only to lift the signature without moving it transversely. The signature is lifted into position for engagement by a separate transfer means which grips the signature so that all of the sheets thereof are held in xed relationship and are transferred in unison.

Transfer mechanisms As already stated, a transfer mechanism comprising transfer units 28, 2f8 is associated with the stack mechanism 24, and a transfer mechanism comprising transfer units 30, 30 is associated with the stack mechanism 26. The two transfer mechanisms and the four transfer units are similar in construction. Inasmuch as the construction of all four of the units is the same,

a description of one of them will suffice and the description can be understood as applying to the right unit 28 of the transfer mechanism for the right stack mechanism 24. One transfer unit and the operating mechanism for all of them are shown in Figs. 2, 13, 14, 15 and 16.

The before-mentioned shelves 34 and 33 are located immediately at the rear of the stack mechanisms, and these shelves are inclined downward and rearward as shown in Figs. 2 and 13.

Preferably, the shelves are not perpendicular toi the stack mechanisms but are inclined additionally downward and rearward. The rear portion of the lower shelf 34 extends into a longitudinal notch in the bar 22 and the forward face 320 of the notch constitutes a stop and longitudinal guide for the rear edge of a component on the lower shelf 34. A longitudinal bar 32| is secured to the bar 22 with its forward face in register vwith the forward face 320 of the notch in the bar 22. The said forward face of the bar 32| constitutes a stop and longitudinal guide for the rear edge of a component on the upper shelf 36.

Each transfer unit comprises a transversely reciprocating means including two opposed jaws engageable with the upper and lower faces of the successive lifted book components C adjacent the rear edges of the said components. Each transfer unit also comprises means for relatively moving the jaws to cause them to engage the components near the end of forward movement and to cause them to release the components near the end of rearward movement.

More specifically, each transfer unit comprises a slide housing 322 which is carried by the main longitudinal bars 22 and 23 which are at the rear of the shelves and constitute supporting means for the transfer units. The slide housing 322 has a gib 323 which enters a longitudinal groove in the bar 23, and the slide housing is connected with the longitudinal bar 22 b-y means of bolts 324 which have threaded engagement =with T-blocks 326 which are entered in a longitudinal T-slot in the said longitudinal bar 22'. By loosening the bolts 324, the slide housing can be adjusted along the bars.

A slide 328 is provided which is guided within the housing 322 for movement longitudinally of the housing and transversely ofthe machine. The parts are so positioned that the slide 328 moves parallelly with the shelves 34 and 36, the bottom of the slide being close to the pla-ne of the upper face of the upper shelf. A rack 330 is provided at the bottom of the slide 328 and f this rack meshes with a pinion 332 on a longitudinal shaft 334. The pinion 332 is keyed to the shaft 334 but can be moved longitudinally with respect thereto in accordance with longitudinal adjustment of the corresponding slide housing 322. In order that the pinion may move with the slide housing, the latter is provided with depending brackets 333 which are positioned at the respective sides of the pinion. The shaft 334 is mounted in bearing blocks 336 secured to the main cross plates I2, I4 and I6. Secured to the shaft 334 at the extreme right end thereof is a pinion 338, as sho-Wn in Fig. 2. This pinion meshes with a gear segment 346 which is at the right of the right cross plate I2 and which .is pivoted to the said cross plate by means of a suitable shaft or stud 342. The main shaft 64 carries at the extreme right end thereof a crank 344 and this crank is connected by means of a link 346 with the said segment 340. It will be seen that as the shaft 64 is rotated, the crank 344 and the link 346 serve to oscillate the gear segment 340 through one cycle. Oscillation of the segment 340 serves to rotate the pinion 338 and the shaft 334 alternately in opposite directions and the shaft 334 serves by means of the pinion 332 and the rack 330 to reciprocate the slide 328. It -will be observed that, inasmuch as the slide 328 is reciprocated by a crank, the speed thereof changes. The slide moves relatively rapidly when in mid-position and relatively slow- 115 1yfat=the-endsofthelreciprocation. Theirecipro-n cation.y is` sotimed that the slideisv at' tsfor-wardi upperposition as show-ninligs. 13-andl14`; whenv the; topsheet' C' has been lifted by.y the vacuum. cups 306, 306; as already eX-plainedi As has beenA stated; eachtransfer-unit ispro vided'witha gripping mechanismgenerally indi#- cate'd-at 32. This gripping mechanism comprises: alowerjaw 3'431whicli-may-beformed integrallyf with the` slide 328; and'. it also-comprises airupper4 jaw 3511": which ispivoted toA the slide; for move` ment about a horizontal'.` axis-'at352 AY spring'- 358 biasestheupper jaw 350`fon downward.move.r ment; A1` stop'- 355i is provided. for.Y properly: positioningV the. edge of each' component' C': wit-li. ren spect to: the jaws; For.l controlling theI relative movement. of theupperj aw.Iv 3 53ste grip :or release the sheet or component G, thereis'r provided. aV memberY or slide 355i which. normally` moveswith: the slide, 323'. because of: frictional engagement. therewith; but' whichy can; also be moved; longittudinally relatively'thereto; The slide 35HY has". an inclined front face at1353: which. is'v adapted? to= engage a roller 366': on the pivoted:v upper jaw 350; Figs. 13 and: 14 showthe slide 3:53; so: positioned# that: the inclined. frontf ace 35B; thereof 'Y is .1

outY of engagement withthe roller 360, the upper.v jaw SEllhaVing. been movediby the spring 354intogripping; engagement, with. the sheet or. com.- ponentC;

A slide 332 islocatedfwithin,theslideihousing` 3,22- at the bottom'.4 thereof; near the rear.` This'. slide isv longitudinally" reciprocable: through a short distance. It has upward: projections: 3541i and 356 whichY are adapted? to engage, with a downward projection 363.; carried by theslide 353 at the rear thereof.

In order; that it mayvbereciprocated; the slide: 362 is provided at the bottom with a rack: 3TH).-l which meshes with a gear segment 3'i2ion a longitudinal shaft 31.4. The shaft 37M is mounted.- in: bearing blocks Blsecuredto the longitudinalbar 23". The gear segment 312 is keyedto the shaft 314 but' can be moved longitudinally with-respect thereto in accordance with longitudinal' adjust-l ment of the correspondingslidehousing 322. Int order that the segment mayl move with theislide.- housing, the latter isprovidedz with dependingv brackets 318.v which are positionedat the respec tive sides of thesegment.

Mounted on the4 aforesaid shaft 230: is a bell. crank 336; one-arm ofA which carriesa roller 382- which is entered inf a earn path 384-at theright. side of the gear G2. The. other` arm of, they bell; crank 380. is connected' by meansof a link 38B. with an arm 388.secured. to the shaft 314. It.. will be seen. that as the shaft 64 is rotated,vthe. bell crank 380- and' thelink. 38.6,.serveto oscillate, the arm 388. the shaftl and the gear segment. 3.12. Oscillation of the gear segment serves to reciprocate the slide 362.

156 In orderthatthesaidslidev356may befgivena a. rapid forward and, upward movement, the: tim',-J ing of= theslide 382 is .suchthat it: rapidly. moves relativelyV forward. andi' upward. at' 0r. about the` time-that thetwo. projections 3&8 and. 364: come.

their limit of downwardfmovement'. Preferably:

each. stripper 3.3 9, comprisestwo parts atA opposite sides ofrthejaws and the saidparts;are-provided' withfnotches 38,39 for receiving thefsaidgcompo-7 nent The twolsaidparts of the. stripper areI pivoted at 339lo to the housing 372,29, andpthe. Said'. parts are connectedwitheach other by a cross bar.l 38.3.. A; cam blockg1339d isY secured; tol the; cross bar 33,99 byymeansgof a-screw 333e. Springs Y 333.f tend toA move: the, stripper inA the clockwise;

direction',A such. movement, being limitedV by an; adjustable stop screw 389g., Ay rollerrBSSP carried by'the slide, 328; this rollerbeing positioned for engagement with the camgblock 3331d when the slide-reaches theposition shown ingvFig. 15.`

As soonr asthe; component-G is; released by the;

jaws 348 and 35S, it isengagedby, the stripper.

. 389 aszshown` in Fig. 15. 'Ihefstripper' stops the When the jaws and 348 have been engaged Y downward and'v rearward movement ofA the com-v ponent, but; the jaws continue their downward and rearward movement. As shown in Fig. 115.Y the jaws are near thelimt of their downwardandl rearward movement but have not quite reached` such limit. WhenA the parts are in the. positions shown in` Fig. 15, the component C is free to'move downward by gravity soas to-be disengaged fromthernotches. 389e inthe stripper 3,39. When disengaged-from the-said notches, the component can furtherI move downward and. rearward bygravity eitheronto the shelf 34 or ontothe shelf 3.6.

Asstated, the jawsA 333 and 353. as showninFig, l5 have not quitereached their limit of downward and; rearward; movement. The saidi jaws are-carried by. the slide 3285 andzthe-,said-slde andL the said jaws-move to a positionslightly beyond: the positions shown. Asthey'so'movethe roller 333.h engages the cam blockv389$ito rock the strip.-V Ier 3331 to7 a small extent inthe counterclockwise direction. Therocking movement ser-ves to,-

positively move the lower edge of the component C in the downwardand.forwarddirection so as to definitely insure the disengagement thereof from'thenotches 3,89f1'andl so asto definitely prevent ise-engagement; thereof with the j awV 3148i As soon as the slidev 328 andV the jawsstart their next movement in the, upward andV forward'Y di;- rection, the stripper is restored by the springs 335? to the position shown-in; Fig. 15.

AfterV the component C"V hasA been disengaged from. the jaws inA the manner which has beenA describeciin detail andafter the jaws andi the slide 328* have reached their limit of downwardA and rearward.- movement', thesaid slide and jaws and alsov the slide 35B, are moved forward.v andl upward. The slides; 328 and 356 remainin fixed relationship with, eachother so that the jaw 350 remains separatedfrom the jaw. 3618. The partsreach the approximate positions shown in Figi. 1 6

with; the jaws separatedand positioned to em' 17 brace the next following componentC. When the parts are in the approximate positions shown, the projection 358 on the slide is in engagement with the projection 355 on the slide `362. However, at this time the slides 328 and 356 are moving relatively slowly as the crank 3M. is again near or at a dead center position. On account of the relatively slow motion of the slides 328 and 356, engagement of the projection 368 with the projection 366 would effect only very slow relative rearward movement of the slide 356. In order that the said slide 356 may be given a rapid rearward and downward movement, the timing of the slide 362 is such that it moves relatively7 rearward and downward at or about the time that the two projections 368 and 3S@ come into engagement. The movement of the slide 362 thus causes the slide 356 to move rapidly rearward and downward so as to withdraw the inclined front face e from beneath the roller 36e and so as to permit the jaw 35i) to be moved by the spring 3.54 into engagement with the next following component C. The timing is such that the jaw 3,59 is released to engage the component C when the parts have moved beyond the position shown in Fig. 15, the 'jaws when engaging the component being in the same positions as shown in Fig. le. With the jaws engaged with the next following component C, the slides S23 and 356 again move rearward as already described.

As already stated, the transfer units are longitudinally adjustable along `the bars 22 and .23. By reference to Fig. 12, it will be apparent that the transfer units of each pair are preferably spaced uniformly from the center line of the components being transferred and near the end edges of the said components. When components of different lengths are to be handled the positions of the transfer units are changed accordingly.

Assembling mechanism In describing the assembly mechanism, reference will be had primarily to Figs. 12, 1'7, 18 and 19, but with incidental references to other figures. Only two stack mechanisms are shown and only two superposed shelves are sho-wn for receiving' components from the stack mechanisms. nisms and only two shelves, the components are withdrawn from the stack mechanisms and assembled on the shelves in groups of two or in pairs. The invention is not limited to the withdrawing and assembling of pairs of components, and larger groups may be withdrawn and assembled by providing a larger number of stack mechanisms and a larger number of shelves.

The before-mentioned lower shelf extends from end to end of the machine, and it has a slot 39! extending throughout the entire length thereof, the result being that the shelf comprises two separate longitudinal portions separated from each other by the slot. The forward wider portion of the shelf 34 is supported directly on the transverse plates l2, M and IG and may be additionally supported on brackets 392 secured to the longitudinal bar 28 as shown in Fig. 20. The rear narrower portion of the shelf 34 is supported directly on the longitudinal bar 22, as shown in Figs. 13 and 14.

The upper shelf 36 is parallel with the shelf and is spaced a short distance above it. The upper shelf 35 is relatively short and it is `positioned directly lbehind Athe left stack mechanism When there are only two stack mecha- 2,6. The upper shelf 36 has a slot .e9-i extending throughout the entire length thereof, the result being that the shelf comprises two separate longitudinal portions separated from each other by the slot. The slot 39@ is in register with the slot 399. The upper shelf 3d is supported at the right by means of a transverse bar 96 which is conected at its ends with the longitudinal bars 29 and 22. The shelf is supported at its left end near the front by a suitable bracket which is not shown. The lower shelf 3d has a right or first end portion which extends or projects beyond the right end of the upper shelf 3e and it has left or second end portion which extends -or projects beyond the left end of the said upper shelf 36. The said projecting portions of the lower shelf are upwardly exposed for the reception of book components.

"lhc transfer mechanism 28 successively transfers a series of single components C from the stack in the stack mechanism 2li to a predetermined position I on the first projecting end portion of the lower shelf "Se, as shown in Fig. 12'. The transfer mechanism 3@ successively transfers a second series of single components D from the stack. in the stack mechanism 25S to a predetermined position II on the upper shelf Se as shown in Fig. l2. Figs. 17 and 18 show the components in positions I-A and III-A which are toward the left from the positions I and Ill. `t will be observed that the two said predetermined positions I and Il Iare at diierent levels. Preferably, the two transfer Amechanisms operate simultaneously. As already stated, the invention is not limited to the handling and assembling of signatures and end sheets, but when it is to be so used the components of the nrst series transferred to the rst projecting end portion of the lower shelf may be book signatures, and the components of the second series transferred to the upper shelf may be folded end sheets. However, the invention is not limited to the relationship stated and the positions of the signatures and the end sheets may be reversed. When one of the components is an end sheet, whether on the upper shelf or on the lower shelf, the said sheet is preferably folded and placed, as indicated in Fig. 19, so that the Y portion thereof which is separated from the signature projects forward beyond the other portion thereof which is adjacent the signature. The reason for this will be fully explained.

Means is provided for engaging successive transferred components C or D of one of the said series and for effecting relative longitudinal movement between pairs of components in Vthe two series so that they are in superposed faceto-faoe register with each other. Preferably and as shown, the said means engages the components C of the first series to move them from the position I to the position Ill and into faceto-face register with the transferred components D of the second series. inasmuch as the shelf 3d is below the shelf 36, each component C' is moved to a position below the postionof the corresponding component D at III.

Before the components come into face-to-face register at the position Ill one of them may be pasted along a zone on the face thereof which is toward the other component. Preferably, the lower component C, which may be the signature, is pasted along a Zone on the upper face thereof, such pasting being effected as the signature moves along the first projecting end por-tion of thc lower shelf through the intermediate posiascenso' 19 tion II as shown in Fig. 12. Fig. 1B shows a component C in the position II-A at the left Vof the position II. The pasting mechanism is indicated generally at 399, and this will be more fully described.

Inasmuch as the two transfer mechanisms operate simultaneously, each component C of the rst series is moved into register with a latei component D of the second series. In fact, when a pasting means such as 399 is interposed between the two predetermined positions, each component C of the rst series is moved into register with the second following component D or' the second series. It will be observed that the pasting means 399 acts upon a component of the first series while the next following component of the same series is being moved to its said predetermined position and while the next preceding component of the same series is being moved into register with a component of the second series.

The two components, that is, the signature and the end sheet, are moved in unison out of position III so that the upper component moves o from its shelf and into engagement with the lower component. When one of the components has been pasted adherence is thus effected along the zone of pasting. Preferably, the two components are moved out of position III inthe longitudinal direction to a position indicated at IV in Fig. 12 where they are in engagement with each other. Fig. 18 shows the components in the position IV-A at the left of the position IV.

The means for longitudinally moving the components is preferably an endless chain 400 having a plurality of uniformly spaced pushers 4t2, 402 thereon, these pushers being so arranged that they extend upward through the slots 390 and 394. The chain 400 extends at the right end of the machine around an idler sprocket 404 mounted on a bracket 406 secured to the right transverse plate I2. The ychain 400 extends at the left end of the machine around a power driven sprocket 408 mounted on a. bracket 4I0 secured to the left transverse plate IB. The transverse plates I2, I4 and I6 are provided with openings 4I2, 4I2 to permit the passage of the lower run of the chain. The sprocket 408 is connected with a shaft 4I4 which carries a bevel gear 416. The bevel gear 4I6 meshes with a bevel gear 4I8 on a shaft 420 rotatable in bearing brackets secured to the left transverse plate I6 as shown in Fig. 3. A bevel gear 422 at the lower end of the shaft 420 meshes with a bevel gear 424 on the left end of the main shaft 34.

By means of the powerv connections described, the chain is continuously driven.

The upper run of the chain 400 is guided between two parallel longitudinal rails 425 and 428 as shown in Figs. 13, 18 and 2l. The two rails are located in notches in the transverse plates I2, I4 and I6 and the upper rail 428 engages the bottom of the lower shelf 34.

Immediately upon transfer of a signature C to the position I, one of the pushers 402 engages the said signature to move it toward the left from the position I to the successive positions II, III and IV. As eachV signature C reaches the position III it comes into face-to-face register with an end sheet D on the upper shelf 39 and the signature and the end sheet are then moved in unison by the same pusher 402. At the intei-mediate position II the signature is pasted along a zone adjacent one edge by the pasting means 399. It will be observed that each signature C comes into register at the position III with an end sheet D which has been transferred during the second following cycle. Continued movement of the signature and the end sheet beyond position III causes the end sheet to pass beyond the end of the upper shelf 36 and the end sheet and the signature are thus caused to engage each other so as to effect adherence along the zone of pasting. Before they reach the position IV they are fully engaged.

When pasting means are provided, the adhering signature and end sheet are engaged beyond position IV in the bite between two pressure rollers 432 and 434 which press them together to cause more effective adherence. The rollers 432 and 434 are carried by brackets 435 and 436 extending toward the left from the left transverse plate I4. As the adhering signature and end sheet emerge from the rollers 432 and 434 they are deposited on the belt 40 which moves them toward'the front of the machine.

The mechanism for driving the rollers 432 and 434 is shown in Figs. 3 and 18. A gear 431 is secured to the shaft 4I4 which operates the chain 400, and this gear meshes with a pinion 438 on a shaft 440. The shaft carries a gear 442 which meshes with a gear 444 connected with the lower roller 432. The roller 432 drives the roller 434 by means of intermeshing gears, the upper gear 446 being shown in Fig. 3. The gearing ratio is such that the rollers 432 and 434 are operated at a relatively high speed, the result being that as soon as the signature and end sheet are engaged by the rollers they are moved relatively rapidly toward the left out of engagement with the corresponding pusher 402. This causes them to move out of the path of the pusher 402 as it swings downward around the sprocket 448.

Preferably, in order that the machine may be adapted for relatively short signatures and end sheets, the rollers 432 and 434 are positioned close to the end of the chain. The position of the rollers is such that the lower roller 432 is in the path of the pushers 402 and in order to provide clearance for the pushers, the said roller 432 is provided with an annular groove 448, as indicated in Figs. 3 and 18.

The conveyor 40 for moving the assembled and adhering signatures and end sheets forward is an endless belt which passes over front and rear rollers mounted respectively in brackets 450 and 452 secured to the left transverse plate I6, as shown in Fig. 3. The front roller for the belt 40 is mounted on a shaft 454 which carries a ratchet wheel 45t as shown in Fig. 1. Mounted on the shaft 454 is an oscillating arm 458 which carries a pawl engaging the ratchet wheel 456. A bell crank 450 is mounted on a stud 4t2 projecting from the end transverse plate I6. One arm of the bell crank 45S carries a roller 404 which is engageable with a cam 465 on the extreme left end of the main shaft 64. As the shaft 54 rotates, the cam 466 oscillates the bell crank 460. The other arm of the bell crank 460 is connected by a link 443 with the arm 458, the said arm being thus caused to oscillate with the bell crank 460. As thearm 458 is oscillated, the pawl thereon engages with the ratchet wheel 456 on the roller for the belt 40, thus causing the belt 40 to move intermittently with the upper run thereof moving in the forward direction. rIhe assembled and pasted signatures and end sheets discharged from the rollers 432 and 434 onto the belt 40 are thus moved toward the front of the machine. The assembled and pasted signatures and end sheets 

